Blood Sugar Level Support

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This collection groups supplements built around ingredients that are often discussed for blood sugar and metabolism, such as berberine, chromium, cinnamon, gymnema, alpha-lipoic acid and glucomannan. They are general wellbeing products, not a treatment for diabetes or a replacement for prescribed care. Brands include Beast Labs Nutrition, Best Naturals, Toniiq, Satoomi and Now Foods.

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Blood Sugar Level Support: buying guide

What the evidence says

The research is thinner than the marketing. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) concludes that for most dietary supplements there is no evidence of a beneficial effect on diabetes, with only weak evidence of a possible benefit for a few. For chromium, the US Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) describes the results as mixed and notes that the American Diabetes Association does not recommend chromium supplements for people with diabetes. Berberine has been studied for effects on blood sugar, cholesterol and body weight, according to NCCIH, but this is still an active research area. Diet, physical activity and your doctor's plan remain the foundations.

Who needs to be careful

If you have diabetes or take any glucose-lowering medicine, speak to your doctor before using these products. The ODS says chromium taken with insulin, metformin or other diabetes medicines might cause blood sugar to drop too low. In an NCCIH-funded study, goldenseal extract (a natural source of berberine) reduced metformin levels in healthy adults by about 25%, which could affect glucose control. NCCIH also warns that the berberine in goldenseal can be harmful to newborns, so avoid berberine products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with kidney or liver disease should be cautious with high doses of chromium.

How to compare products

  • Dose per serve. Some labels list milligrams per capsule and others per two or three capsules, so compare the daily dose.
  • Single ingredient or blend. Combined formulas, such as berberine with cinnamon and turmeric, make it harder to know what you are taking and how much.
  • Stimulants. Some metabolism products contain caffeine. Check the label if you are sensitive to it.

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Related categories

See berberine, metabolism and vitamins and minerals.

Sources: NCCIH: Diabetes and dietary supplements; NIH ODS: Chromium; NCCIH: Goldenseal.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

Blood Sugar Level Support: questions and answers

Do blood sugar support supplements actually work?
The evidence is limited. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that for most dietary supplements there is no evidence of a beneficial effect on diabetes, and only weak evidence for a few. Chromium results are mixed, according to the US Office of Dietary Supplements. These products should never replace medical treatment, a healthy diet or regular physical activity.
Can I take berberine or chromium with metformin?
Only with your doctor's approval. The US Office of Dietary Supplements says chromium taken with insulin, metformin or other diabetes medicines might lower blood sugar too far. In a study funded by NCCIH, goldenseal extract, a natural source of berberine, reduced metformin levels in healthy adults by about 25%. Your doctor or pharmacist can check whether a supplement is appropriate alongside your medicines.
Is chromium picolinate safe?
Chromium from food and supplements does not appear to cause harm, according to the US Office of Dietary Supplements, but research is limited. People with kidney or liver disease should be cautious with high amounts. Chromium may interact with insulin and diabetes medicines, and may reduce absorption of the thyroid medicine levothyroxine, so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these.
Can I take berberine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns that berberine, found in plants such as goldenseal, can be harmful to newborns, and advises that goldenseal should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding or given to infants. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any blood sugar or metabolism supplement.

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